A fire chief has issued a warning after emergency services were called after reports that a child had fallen into a frozen pond in West Cumbria
Emergency services, including the fire service, police, Maryport Rescue and HM Coastguard, plus voluntary organisation West Cumbria Search and Animal Rescue, were called to Siddick Ponds in Workington yesterday afternoon after a member of the public believed they saw a youngster fall through the ice into the freezing water.
Extensive searches – including a helicopter sweep – revealed that no one was in the pond.
Rick Ogden, assistant chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of all the emergency services, I’m very pleased that the outcome from the incident yesterday was positive and no one was seriously injured or required rescuing.
“I do however want to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of walking out onto ice. With temperatures set to remain very cold, struggling to get above freezing over the coming days, many ponds and other stretches of water are at risk of freezing.
“Whilst they may look solid from the surface and tempting to step on, they can be extremely dangerous and very unlikely to hold your weight.
“Parents, please speak to your children to warn them of the potential consequences if someone goes through into the frozen water. Please also keep pets on leads when near frozen water and don’t throw objects onto the ice for them to retrieve.
“If you see anyone in difficultly please call 999 immediately. Reassure them but don’t attempt to rescue them as you could become the next casualty.”
